The British Fed Cup team are on the verge of hosting their first Fed Cup tie since 1993 after battling past Croatia 2-1 in the Europe/Africa zone play-off.
Throughout the week, the British team has enjoyed a perfect performance with whitewash wins over Portugal, Latvia and Turkey in the group stages. Their dominant performance continued against Croatia when Heather Watson blasted her way past Donna Vekic 6-2, 6-4, to secure a 1-0 lead.
“I am very happy with how I played today. I continued playing like I had done in previous matches. I thought I was solid mentally and with my shots.” Watson told the LTA website.
Britain’s perfect run at the Estonian tournament, which started with 12 teams, ended in the second match. World No.10 Johanna Konta suffered a shock 6-4, 6-3, loss to Ana Konjuh. 19-year-old Konjuh, who reached the quarterfinals at last year’s US Open, broke the top 40 on the WTA Tour for the first time earlier this year.
The Croatian comeback continued in the decisive doubles match after Konjuh and Darija Jurak clinched the opening set against Watson and Konta. Despite the scare, the British duo staged a dramatic comeback to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, and book their play in April’s World Group II play-offs.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic and I feel like I’ve aged 20 years this week.” Team captain Anne Keothavong said about Britain’s win.
“It’s been a real emotional roller-coaster, but the way the girls performed today and throughout the whole week, I’m just so proud of them. It wasn’t easy today against Croatia with it coming down to the doubles and the deciding set.”
Last winning the prestigious Fed Cup title in 1981, Great Britain has been stuck in the Europe/Africa for 24 years. A win in April would bring the run to an end, but twice they have fallen short in the Group II playoffs within the past five years. In 2012 they lost to Sweden and in 2013 against Argentina.
The draw for the play-offs will take place on Tuesday with Britain hoping to host their first home tie since 1993.
And celebrate! The moment the Aegon GB @FedCup Team reached the World Group 2 Play-Offs #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧😀🇬🇧🎉🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/BYI5HDIFLa
— British Tennis (@BritishTennis) 11 February 2017
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